Some of the initial barriers to entry for the adoption of smart home devices and automation systems have been the relatively high cost of the devices, and the steep learning curve needed in order to set them up. However, with the recent wave of smart devices that are either plug 'n play or that have intuitive controls hitting the market, those barriers are rapidly coming down.

And this latest intelligent home automation system, WigWag, looks to take that simplification even further, with an all-in-one sensor and a graphical "if this, then that" programming interface that allows for quick setup and modification.

WigWag, currently in crowdfunding phase on Kickstarter, consists of a universal sensor capable of measuring light levels, sound, temperature, and humidity, as well as detecting motion, plus a relay device for connecting all of the sensors in the house to the cloud. When combined with the WigWag app, users can quickly write rules for connected devices in an easy to understand format (i.e. when X happens, then do Y), making their home or office a smarter version of itself.

A couple of things set WigWag apart from some other home sensor systems, including the ability to share the controls and rule-making with others (house guests, for example), and a simple QR code and scanning-based discovery system for adding modules to it. In addition, rules can be set up for perpetual or one-time use, and a series of sensors can be deployed to increase the intelligence of the system.

Also offered by WigWag is an RGB LED lighting strip ("Glowline") that features motion and light level detection, which can be used to set up a dynamic lighting system capable of displaying an incredible range of colors (~ 22,000 colors), all controlled from the WigWag app.

WigWag works with many other third-party devices as well, such as the Phillips Hue light bulbs or the Belkin WeMo outlets, or Bluetooth and Z-Wave systems, in many cases through auto-detection, so users don't need to go through lengthy or complicated setup and configuration procedures.

It looks as if WigWag has hit a sweet spot in the market, as their Kickstarter campaign has already blown past their initial $50,000 goal, with well over a month to go. Backers at the $139 level will receive a basic system with one sensor and one relay, which is enough to automate a single room, and larger amounts of funding will net backers additional sensors or relays at a discounted pre-retail price.